Attention Members! 2013 Board of Directors Elections Voting Now Open

06/07/2013

• Vote in the 2013 Board of Directors Elections
• Who is Qualified to Vote?
• How to Vote by Mail
• How to Vote in Person
• Get to Know the 2013 Board of Directors Elections Candidates
• Webinar: 2013 Board of Directors Elections Candidates Forum

Vote in the 2013 Board of Directors Elections

Sister Cities International holds annual elections using two methods of collecting votes. All member communities in good standing have the option to either cast its votes via mail-in ballot or appoint representative(s) to cast its vote(s) in person at the 2013 Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas. A community may either cast its votes by mail or in person; the community may not cast votes using a combination of methods. Regardless of the method chosen to cast votes, all elections materials must be returned to Sister Cities International by July 5, 2013.

Who is Qualified to Vote?
Each U.S. member community in good standing will receive a predetermined number of votes based on its population. International member communities twinned with a US member community also qualify for two votes. 

• Population 10,001 and Over: 4 votes
• State/Municipal Leagues: 4 votes
• Population 5,001-10,000: 3 votes
• Global Members and Population under 5000: 2 votes

How to Vote by Mail
In early June 2013, each Sister Cities International member organization will be mailed a packet that includes the voting materials for Sister Cities International’s Board of Directors election and bylaw changes. This includes biographies of Board candidates, proposed changes to Sister Cities International’s bylaws, and the appropriate number of ballots for their community. The community may cast its allocated number of votes however it chooses. Ballots must be received by Sister Cities International postmarked by June 21, 2013. Ballots postmarked after this date will not be counted. If choosing to vote by mail in ballots, member communities may not designate delegates to vote in-person at the Annual Conference. To determine who is designated as the primary contact for your community, please email membership1@sister-cities.org.

How to Vote in Person
In early June 2013, each Sister Cities International member organization will be mailed a packet that includes the voting materials for Sister Cities International’s Board of Directors election and bylaw changes. This includes biographies of Board candidates, proposed changes to Sister Cities International’s bylaws, the appropriate number of ballots for their community, and a form for the community to designate individual representative(s) to cast votes on its behalf. The community may designate one individual to cast all of its votes or split the votes amongst many individuals. A community may also select alternates to vote should one of the original delegates be unable to vote. Communities must certify their voting representatives and alternates prior to the annual meeting and certifications must be received by July 5, 2013. Individuals who have not been certified by their member community will not be allowed to vote on-site. If choosing to cast votes in person, member communities may not vote by mail in ballot. To determine who is designated as the primary contact for your community, please email membership1@sister-cities.org.

2013 Board of Directors Candidates

Bill Behrens

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

I want to serve on the board to help lead and provide support to the organization that is a model of person to person diplomacy.   Sister-Cities mission is unique and is needed -- now more than ever -- to help bridge differences (some real and some perceived) between the United States and other countries.  Person to person diplomacy is a simple strategy but one that is incredibly effective and I know this from personal experience.   A couple years after college, I went abroad for a year and lived with a family in South America.  That experience forever changed my view of others, my country and myself; and, I am a better citizen because of it.  I want to help other Americans have that experience.

Brief Biography

Manager of Government Relations, General Electric, 2010-present

• Advocate on strategic policy priorities with federal, state and international governments
• Domain expertise in financial services and international trade policy

Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, The White House, 2007-2009

• Implemented and advocated President Bush’s policies by working with local elected officials throughout the U.S. and its territories
• Represented the President of the United States in meetings with local elected officials and their associations
• Built coalitions and maintained high level contacts with major city mayors, county officials and other important stakeholders

Senior Advisor for Commercial and Business Affairs, The U.S. Department of State, 2003-2007

• Advocated with foreign governments for market access and market reform, transparency and sound regulatory policy
• Provided advocacy and tactical advice to U.S. corporations to resolve disputed contracts and investment disputes throughout Europe and the Middle East
• Worked on major trade advocacy and market access issues in: Algeria, Belarus, Croatia, Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Lithuania, Morocco, Serbia and Turkey

New Business Manager, Chemonics International, 1998-2003

• Developed, managed and successfully expanded new business for an international consulting firm active in over 120 emerging markets
• Managed complex multi-million dollar economic development projects for USAID, USTDA, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank in Nigeria, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Morocco and Romania
• International field experience: Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Dominican Republic

Other Relevant Skills and Experience:

• Master of Arts in International Affairs, The American University
• Lived in Chile for 1 year (1993-1994)
• Conversant in Spanish

Skills

I am excited to bring my ability to design and implement strategic plans for Sister Cities.  As the Special Assistant to the President, I learned first-hand of the unique strengths and challenges of American cities.  And, as an international businessman and diplomat I have worked and lived in over 40 countries. These experiences provide a strong foundation to understand the work and challenges that encounter Sister Cities. As a White House official, U.S. diplomat and business executive, I have developed successful strategies to successfully  tackle complex political and business challenges under stressful and dynamic conditions.  I would greatly enjoy the opportunity to bring these strengths and experiences to help lead and build an even better Sister Cities.    

Carolyn Bishop

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

My profession and passion in international education for 20 plus years has led me toward opportunities in more than 63 countries. Building trusted relationships is a critical basis for understanding and good will. As an SCI Board member these past years, I have witnessed the privilege each SCI member has to partner and build important relationships that connect work, people, and cities for a common global good. I want to serve again to continue making a difference globally with Sister-City leadership through local members. As I meet with educational officials, government leaders, and respected professionals, I can continue to promote the goals and interests of SCI. This work creates meaningful discussions and cooperation that can make our future brighter for all global citizens.

Brief Biography

Dr. Carolyn Bishop was elected President of the Consortium for Global Education, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2002. She leads in supporting the international efforts of more than 40 accredited American colleges and universities and their 367 overseas partnerships involving more than 80 countries. Her areas of expertise include professional development, international programs, professional training, online certifications, and arranging for faculty and student global opportunities.

Actually, she coordinates educational conferences and workshops in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She speaks on CGE an global campuses to share a global perspective and to stimulate interest in international relationships. Through CGE, she works with presidents, provosts and faculties of affiliate institutions to promote the international visits, the internationalism higher education, collaboration between U.S. universities and overseas counterparts, and faculty-student exchanges. Through CGE’s work in diverse nations, she promotes professional training programs for officials and national leaders, design study aboard for students, and creates teaching opportunities overseas that are based on quality academic experiences, mutual benefit, and respect for values and cultures. Dr. Bishop has negotiated significant educational agreements with nations addressing important education, research, and cultural development.

Dr. Bishop teaches leadership courses on overseas professional opportunities and is committed to developing the skills of young professionals. She serves on community committees and educational boards.

Skills

I will continue to contribute global knowledge and experience from work in strategic nations, teaching globally, and adding value with relationships with significant citizens and leaders. I hope to continue with development and conference tasks and rainsing cultural awareness with global government officials and diplomatic discussions. My contacts, experiences, and understandings of many nations and their interconnectedness with world systems, including education, will allow me to continue to represent Sister Cities goals and constituencies.

Carol Burdette

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

About fifteen years ago, I went on my first “official” international trip. It was an opportunity to experience another culture, learn about their community and make friends. We joined Sister Cities International, and I have been an advocate since then.

For three years I have served on the board of Sister Cities International serving on the audit, youth and strategic planning committees. I am seeking another three year term because I see great opportunity with this organization. There has never been a time where peaceful relationships and cultural understanding has been more important. My priorities as a board member will be continue to advocate for future vision and involvement of our youth.

Brief Biography

In 1987 I got involved in public service by running for town council in my home town. After serving on the council for 10 years, I was elected mayor and served 12 years. During that time and since, I have been very active in many organizations in the community. I have served as chair of the Anderson Area YMCA, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way campaign and board of directors, president of the Rotary Club of Anderson, and on the Palmetto Bank Board. Regionally, I have served on the board of Ten At the Top, president of the board of AdvanceSC, and as Rotary District Governor. At the state level, I served as president of the Municipal Association of SC, chair of the South Carolina Association of Non-Profit Organizations and on the board of the Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Currently, I serve a president of the Clemson Little Theatre, on the board of the Pendleton Historic Foundation, on the Board of Trustees of Spartanburg Methodist College and chair of Anderson Sister Cities Association.

With these affiliations and many more, I have had the opportunity to serve on various committees dealing with governance, audits, fundraising, ethics, finance, personnel, government relations, event planning and strategic planning.

I have devoted my life to the service of my church and my community and enjoy knowing that what I am doing is making a difference. I hope to have these opportunities to serve as long as I am able!

Skills

It has been my honor to serve in various capacities with a number of organizations over the past two decades. Also, for the past eleven years, I have been the chief professional officer of United Way of Anderson County.

During this time I have gained knowledge in organizational management, I have created and lead through massive change; and raised millions of dollars. Knowledge in visioning, strategic planning and government relations is in my community tookit!

Jane Gehlhausen

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

Passion. I attended my fist Sister Cities International conference in 2006. I was a volunteer Board member with Sister Cities in Fishers, Indiana. It was there that I first learned of the term Citizen Diplomacy. I was thrilled to learn a term that aligned to my life’s passion. I am committed to make a difference to improve international relations in my city and abroad. I am blessed to be in a position to advocate, educate and mentor others.

Experience and Impact. I’ve been fortunate to have an international career for two decades, working both in international business and in international affairs for out Mayor globalizing our city. I would be honored to apply these experiences to make an impact for5 the Sister Cities International organization.

Brief Biography

I have dedicated my life and career to my passion for inferential affairs. As the Director of International & Cultural Affairs for our Mayor, I am leading the strategic direction to enhance globalization and culture for our city. I direct the Indianapolis Sister Cities International program, which today has 8 partnerships around the world, a k-12 student initiate and a special events committee. In addition, I provide outreach to more than 100 international associations and ethnic communities in Indianapolis.

Previously, I served as a senior executive driving international business initiatives. My professional experience included development of strategic partnerships in over 30 countries, collaborating with C-level executives, developing/negotiating international contracts. As well as leading and energizing global teams in complex program initiatives.

I have concentrated my civic activities to my international passion. I am recognized as a strategically-focused leader with excellent interpersonal communication skills, impeccable work ethic, and expertise in global partnerships, strategic implementation, marketing, non-profits and fundraising.

My Civic leadership (Board Directorship) includes:

• International Center of Indianapolis—Past Chair
• Rotary Alumni Foundation—Past  Chair
• Rotary Club of Fishers, IN—Member, Chair International Exchanges
• Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network
• Center for interfaith Cooperation
• World Trade Club of Indiana—Past President
• Sister Cites Association of Fishers, IN
• Indiana Partners of the Americas
• FOCUS 2020 (A civic engagement initiative to develop appreciation of Indianapolis’ global diversity)
• LaPlaza—marketing Committee
• Indianapolis Refugee Leadership Council
• Festival Chair—15,000 attendees, multi-day.

Skills

Extensive Citizen Diplomacy Experience:

• Directing a sister City program in a major city, doubling it in size and scope
• Leader of International exchanges and itinerary development
• Volunteer Board member

International Experience:

• Business, Municipal Relationships, Travel

Board Experience:

• Significant experiences (see above). Efficient partner with volunteers & staff

Marketing:

• Strategy and implementation

Volunteers Development:

• Developing and managing leaders and volunteers

Personal qualities:

• Integrity, leadership, perseverance, creativity, positive attitude

Robert Greninger

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

With over 25years of international humanitarian and charitable work, I believe I can contribute significantly to the Mission of SCI. I bring over 14 years of Sister City leadership experience, upon which I can draw as a member of the SCI BOD. During these past 14 years, I reorganized and expanded our local Sister City program into an active, viable and productive organization. I was instrumental in the creation of two new Prescott Sister city relationships and a founding member and president of Arizona Sister Cities, Inc. Years of experience as a business executive has provided me with skill sets that will enhance my participation as an SCI Board member. I understand strategic thinking, decision making, creativity and collaboration.

Brief Biography

I am married with 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. I spent most of my career as a pharmaceutical executive with the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. International responsibilities included product introduction in Australia and acting as a corporate liaison for the many world-wide medical relief programs undertaken by Johnson & Johnson and Heart to Heart International. I fully retired in 1998 but have been an active retiree, serving on a number of community boards. I have been a Director of Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. Community Service Foundation. I served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Prescott famous Sharlot Hall Museum. I have served as vice-president and president of the Sister City Association of the Prescott and, as noted above, facilitated the creation of both the Prescott—Suchitoto (El Salvador) and Zeitz (Germany) Sister Cities programs. I was a founding member and the current president of Arizona Sister Cities, Inc. and, last year, was appointed SCI Arizona State Coordinator. I have also served as a task force member and advisor to two Prescott mayors on a variety of community projects. This work included development of enhanced community relations between Prescott and cities in the state of Sonora, Mexico. I have participated as an accredited international election observer in the State of Chiapas, Mexico in 2007 and 2010 and for the state and national elections in El Salvador in 2009. I have been invited to return for the El Salvador national elections in 2014.

Skills

I have been described as having the following strength/skills: leadership, passion for the task, logical thinker, successful, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, organization, high ethical standards, relationship building and compassion.

Norris Hermsmeyer

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

I am seeking a second term on the Board of Directors of SCI.   I am currently the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, positions which I find interesting and challenging.   In the coming term, I have a particular interest in expanding the number of Sister City relationships between communities in the U.S. and India.    

As an active participant in Sister City relationships, I believe strongly in the theme of “sharing according to the ability of each community.”   The essence of Sister City relationships is the growth that comes from experiencing the culture and values of each community.   It is my hope to promote the value of Sister City exchanges, whereby each community and participant benefits through giving and receiving according to the resources each has to contribute.

Brief Biography

Norris has served in a variety of volunteer and service positions in the community, while owning and operating his own business, Columbine Real Estate Services.  Norris, his wife Teri and their three children make their home in Boulder, Colorado.

Norris has been a member of Denver Sister Cities since 1984 and served on its Board of Directors.

In 1999, he initiated the Boulder-Mante (Mexico) Sister City relationship and has served continuously as its chair.  He has also chaired the Boulder Sister City Alliance of Sister City committees since 2005.

Norris has served as District Governor of Rotary International in Colorado and President of the Boulder Rotary Club.  He has a passion for developing international service projects with Rotary clubs in Central and South America, Africa and Asia.  A polio survivor, he is most supportive of Rotary’s polio worldwide effort to eradicate polio.

Norris has previously served as President of Historic Boulder and Chaired the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Committee.  He has also been involved with the Boulder Museum of History, the University of  Colorado Heritage Center, Boulder’s Sesquicentennial committee and the Chautauqua Board.

Norris has been active in his church, particularly with global mission work, having volunteered for six month intervals in India, Papua New Guinea and Kenya.   He has been a member of the Board of Global Missions for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

He is a Realtor, past President of the Boulder Area Board of Realtors, and active participant in the Colorado Association of Realtors, particularly in the area of legislative affairs.

Skills

In working with non-profit organizations, Norris has gained much insight and knowledge into the skills of teambuilding; empowering a group of supporters to plan, focus and achieve the aims of the organization. Norris has experience working with governmental agencies and elected officials on an ongoing basis.  Part of Norris’s background has been in creating and developing non-profit foundations to support the primary organization.  Norris has a degree in accounting from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Ash Kalra

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

As a San Jose Councilmember, I have focused on a global perspective in my public policy and community outreach work. San Jose is the 10^th largest city in the nation and was recently ranked the most diverse large city in America. San Jose also has a long history with SCI, having seven ongoing sister city relationships. Being a representative from a large city in the Western United States gives me an opportunity to help grow sister city relationships throughout the region. It is with the relationships I have already build that I am planning a city delegation to our sister city of Pune, India in 2014 and I know that being on the SCI Board will ensure a successful delegation.

Brief Biography

I was born in Toronto, Canada, and moved to San Jose California while a young child. I represent the same neighborhood in which I grew up and am proud to be the first Indian-American to serve on the San Jose City Council. Prior to serving on the Council, I graduated from UC Santa Barbara and subsequently Georgetown Law School. I worked as an attorney with the public defender’s office in San Jose for 11 years prior to my election to the City Council in 2008.

While Working as an attorney, I had the privilege of serving on a number of non-profit boards of directors. Some of these included the Asian Law Alliance, South Asian Bar Association, Fresh Lifelines for Youth, Somos Mayfair and Santa Clara County Bar Association. I am currently on the Housing Trust of Silicon Valley Board and am an Advisory Board member for the Emergency Housing Consortium. I am a professor at Lincoln Law School of San Jose and have previously taught at San Jose State University.

In addition to my service on the City Council, I am the current Chair of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Vice Chair of the Valley Transportation Authority, and on the Board of the Association of Bay Area Governments and CalTrain. Amongst some of my recognitions, I had the honor of receiving the NAACP Silicon Valley Legislator of the Year and BAYMEC

Straight Ally Awards in 2012.

I have hosted many events highlighting our international and cultural relationships in San Jose. Annually, I host Indian, Canadian and African-American Flag Raising Ceremonies. I am also the Co-Chair of a first ever IndiaNow Festival 2013 this June and annually host the Future Roots Festival, highlighting Asian-American Heritage.

Skills

I have 11 years of experience as a trial attorney. In addition, I have served on over a half dozen service organization boards and have taught at the high school, college and law school levels. My legislative experience while on the City Council highlight my capacity to learn and lead in short order. Both as a trial lawyer and elected official, I am extraordinarily comfortable with public speaking, whether in small groups or before crowds of thousands.

Holly Lazzerini

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors

I want to be a strong contributor to the SCI Board by applying my passion for the sister cities, my skills and experience acquired by working for many years as a professional in special education, as the Member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Sister Cities Association (ISCA) and its Chairwoman of the Youth Exchange Committee, as the Board Member of the Rockford Sister Cities Advisory Commission, as the President of the Rockford-Italian Sister Cities Committee and as a member of the Sister Cities Association of Belvidere, IL.

Brief Biography

I have a Masters degree in regular and special education administration with certification in various areas of impairments. I have over 20 years’ experience in the field of education which has given the opportunity to coordinate with a number of organizations in the field such as RAMP, NAMI and Red Cross. I am an adjunct professor at a local college where I teach strategies for adaptation for academics and daily living for school administrators, teachers and other professional, parents and relatives of special education people.

Ever since my high-school days, I wanted to be in special education and work with youth. During high school I taught swimming to blind and visually impaired children. As a professional, I have taught all levels of students, from pre-school to high school, undergraduate to graduate. For the last several years, I design and teach customized courses to meet the specific needs of my students.

Sister Cities movement is my passion and I have been involved at multiple levels for several years. I am on the Conference Committee of the Sister Cities International, a member of the Board of Directors for Illinois Sister Cities Association where I also chair the Youth Exchange Committee. I am a Member of the Board for Rockford Sister Cities Advisory Commission, President of the Rockford-Italian Sister Cities Committee and a member of the Sister Cities Association of Belvidere.

Recently, I was Co-Chair of the 2013 Sister Cities Association Annual Conference that set new standards for excellence for this conference.

Skills

Bringing people together to work toward a common goal; Leadership and Vision; Understanding of cultures and countries; Connecting and building trust with Youth; Organization and execution skills.

Jay Mathur

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

I want to run for the Board of Directors position so that I could apply my skills of working within multiple cultures and countries over many years, leverage my extensive connections and relationship with people and organizations in several countries, utilize my professional expertise on building excellence through innovative solutions and exercise my expertise of working with sister city organizations at local, regional and state levels to:

1. Build deeper and wider sister city relationships around the globe

2. Help make Sister Cities International as the premier organization for building global relationships for peace and prosperity.

Brief Biography

I am a Chemical Engineer and Polymer Technologist with an MBA. My professional experience includes the first employee of a global start-up company, General Manager of a Strategic Business Unit for an international company, Executive in global management consulting firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, and Grant Thornton, a Partner and Global Leader in Ernst & Young’s management consulting practice.

I founded my own company in 2000 with the passion to build excellence though innovative solutions; since have helped a number of organizations to excel and become leaders in their industries. Current focus is to drive innovation in small businesses and in industries such as Healthcare and Defense.

Over the last several years, I have donated up to 20% of my time to help a number of non-profits and charitable organizations in becoming more resource efficient. In my twenties, founded and chaired a service organization for young professionals. Served as the Chairman of the Board for an American Red Cross chapter for two years and a member of its Board for six. I have served on the boards of several industry-specific professional organizations. I am a Charter member of the largest technology entrepreneurship and advocacy organization in the world.

I served on Sister Cities International’s Development Committee. Co-Chairman of the Illinois Sister Cities Association’s 2013 Annual Conference-that set a new benchmark of excellence, Member of Rockford-Italian Sister Cities Committee, where I have helped lead fund-raising events, and member of the Sister Cities Association of Belvidere

Skills

Ability to work with different cultures in multiple countries; leadership and vision; execution and results orientation; focus on excellence, innovation, speed and flexibility; ability to build consensus among multiple people with multiple points of view.

Clare Petrich

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

I believe that the mission of Sister Cities is essential to a world that works!  I believe that citizen diplomacy can bring prosperity to shared communities around the world. Today, through technology, worldwide connections happen in every corner of the globe.  Sister Cities can make the difference between chance meetings and deep personal connections where citizens connect for the greater good of our communities. I look forward to sharing an international vision and expertise in economic development.  I am deeply committed to the sister cities program.  And I want to contribute to a sustainable Sister Cities organization.

Brief Biography

A working waterfront multi-tasker, Clare Petrich owns and operates Petrich Marine Dock in Tacoma, former site of her family’s long-time shipbuilding company.

Active in international affairs, shoreline development issues and economic development for many years, she was first elected to the Port of Tacoma Commission in 1995 and continues to serve in that capacity.  She founded and coordinated the Tacoma Maritime Fest for twenty years until 2012.  Clare was an exchange student in India, lived in Monrovia, Liberia, Tripoli, Libya and Bangkok with her former husband, a diplomat, and owned a local gift shop, importing primarily from Vietnam.  Clare has two entrepreneurial children who live in Seattle and Berkeley, and two exceptional granddaughters.

Clare currently serves on the Boards of the Washington Council on International Trade, Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, El-Jadida Sister City, Puget Sound Regional Council Economic Development District, Youth Marine Foundation, Center for Spiritual Living, and the Puyallup River Flood Control Zone District.

Skills

International living and work experience in Africa and Asia. 18 years Public service as a Port Commissioner.  Fundraising experience.  Broad international business experience. Involvement at a local level with Sister Cities program.  Mature decision maker.

Sharon Pinder

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

Sister Cities International (SCI) represents an opportunity to take my experiences to a different level. Over the past seven years I’ve been an advocate of diversity and inclusion. I believe that one of the primary outcomes of diversity is the global impact it has on our communities, businesses and polices.

SCI offers an exciting opportunity to make a difference on a broader level. I can assist the organization in meeting its mission and goals. I think my years of experience brain a perspective, specifically with the success we enjoyed with the Maryland Sister States Programs. I’d like to assist SCI in increasing its global presence and by supporting its vision of economic partnerships, youth programs and humanitarian assistance.

Brief Biography

Throughout my career I have accepted leadership position and roles in both my professional and volunteer activities.

Boards and Volunteer organizations

• Immediate Past Chair-Leadership Maryland, Inc. (first elected African-American chairperson in the 20 year history of the organization)
• Director—Network 2000
• Board of Visitors—University of Maryland University College
• Board of Visitors—University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Executive Committee and Director—Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, Inc.

Civic and advocacy leadership

• Served as Executive chair of the State of Maryland/ Republic of Liberia Sister States Program. Through this historic relationship, we (40 volunteers), provide support in the areas of commerce, infrastructure, healthcare, educations and arts and culture to a country recovering from a 14 year civil war.
• Served as member of Advisory Committee of Maryland’s Sister State Program.
• Named to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Women’s Advisory Council for the Republic of Liberia providing support to initiatives identified by the President.

Awards and Recognition

• Inducted in the 2013 Business Hall of Fame—Baltimore/Washing Corridor Chamber
• Women History Makers—DC, MD & VA (2012)
• Business Diversity Achievement—Howard County (2010)
• Distinguished Women Award—Girl Scouts of Central Maryland (2009)
• Macy’s Salute to African-American Entrepreneurship—featured in national ad campaign (2009)
• Business Advocate Award, Women of Influence—2009 &2007
• Bravo! Top 25 Female Executives—SmartCEO (2008)
• Maryland Top 100 Women (3 times winner and inducted into Circle of Excellence)
• Congressman Parren J. Mitchell Leadership Award (2006)
• Small Business Advocate Award, Asian-American Business RoundTable (2005)
• Distinguished Alumna of the Year UMUC (2004)
• Outstanding Leader of the Year, Leadership Maryland, Inc. (2004)

Skills

I will bring passion and engagement to the Board of Directors! I am excited to share my years of experiences as an entrepreneur in the private/non-profit sectors; as a 20 year (former) software engineer with General Electric; and as a state (Maryland) and local (Baltimore) cabinet official who has advocated for women and minority businesses. My acumen also includes: executive and strategic management; providing global solutions in the areas of techono.ly, marketing and business development.

Carolina Rendeiro

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

My entire career has been focused on the International sector. I have served as President of Miami Council of International Visitors. I feel that we can make a difference one hand shake at a time in international business, culture and education programs and outreach.

Brief Biography

I have served as Chairman of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, 4 years as Chair of Sister City Board, 2 years as President of GWAC Global Workspace. Served on the Board Foundation of FIU, serve on Advisory Board of BB&T Bank, serve as Chair of International Business Develop for the Beacon Council.

Skills

I have excellent startup business background, fundraiser for non-profits, fluent in 3 languages; have worked in 29 counties as a consultant, my passion dedication to this program.

Larry Uebner

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

I began my sister cities volunteer activities in 1973 in the Omaha Sister Cities Association. My strongest motivation is to create international experiences at home and abroad for youth and adults. Nothing greater can add to a person’s perspective of another culture than meeting an international visitor or traveling to another country. Face to face conversations and experiencing another country creates better understanding between citizens and creates peace in this world more than any other activity. Sister Cities International is the best organization to provide long-term associations between cities to foster peace and understanding. I believe my experience will be an asset to the SCI Board.

Brief Biography

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Graduated with a B.S. degree in Business and a Masters in Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. I served 3 years in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.

I am now retired and enjoy my community volunteer activities. My 28 year professional career was spent at the Omaha National Bank, Omaha, Nebraska (now known as U.S. Bank). I joined the Omaha Sister Cities Association in 1973. I was elected President of OSCA in 1976 when Omaha had one sister city. I have held most all positions in the OSCA—President, Treasurer, Chair, Shizuoka Committee, Boy Scout Venture Crew coordinator, and Newsletter editor. I led the organization in the installation of the Shizuoka, Japan Sunpu Gat in our botanical gardens in 2005 for which OSCA earned the SCI Arts and Culture Award in 2006. During my involvement, OSCA has grown to six sister cities today and is an SCI award-winning organization.

2006 recipient of SCI-Circle of Distinguished Volunteers award.

Current voluntary activities include:

Sister Cities International:

• SCI Finance Committee—Since 2010
• SCI Investment Committee—Since 2010
• Nebraska State Coordinator—Since 2008

Omaha Sister Cities Association:

• Board of Directors—40 years
• Jennie Edmundson Hospital—Board of Directors—Since 2008
• Nebraska Methodist Health System—Investment Committee—Since 2008
• Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation—Board of Directors, Treasurer—Since 1998
• Foundation First Bank—Board of Directors, Director of Loan Committee—Since 2008

Skills

I understand the dynamic of sister cities activities. I have traveled to Omaha’s six sister cities 23 times in the past 40 years and helped lead its growth from one city to six cities. My professional background in management, banking, and investments have assisted SCI in the past several years as part of the Finance and Investment committees. I have been a speaker in SCI Annual Conference panels in past years.

Young Professional Candidates

Pamela Ascon

Ms. Ascon has removed herself as a candidate for the Board of Directors.

Gary Barnabo

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

First, international relations, learning and community building have been central to my professional experience and are at the core of SCI. Second SCI’s mission to promote peace and understanding one individual and community at a time, motivates me, as does its history and legacy. Third, SCI faces new challenges and surprising opportunities as it grows and transforms; my goal is to help position SCI to maximize opportunities and manage challenges more efficiently than e3ver before, drawing on my experience leading a global nonprofit and expertise in strategy and policy planning and organizational change. Fourth, I seek a challenging new professional experience with an organization for whi9ch I believe I can have impact.

Brief Biography

I am a strategy and policy consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, working across the U.S. Government to improve my clients’ ability to define, address, and solve critical national security and public policy challenges. Since joining Booz Allen in 2008 I have led teams in studies of the future global security environment, authored strategies and strategic plans, and designed programs and processes to transform policymaking departments, agencies, and offices. I served two years in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, creating approaches to combat illicit and threat networks. I am currently working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to enhance its long-term strategic planning and policy development capabilities.

In March 2012, I became the President of Yong Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), where I established the research department in 2009. YPFP is a global nonprofit that fosters the next generation of foreign policy leaders. Its community comprises 10,000 people in 70 countries. I lead an 80 person volunteer staff and oversee YPFP’s partnerships, strategic planning, and development efforts. YPFP is currently undergoing a comprehensive examination of its member model, brand, and communications str4ategy ahead of its 10-year anniversary in 2014. A key near-term focus for me is demonstrating the value of YPFP to our members, donors, and partners.

I speak on, and advise organizations about developing future leaders and the future of foreign policy. I am a 2008 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and was raised in Sydney, Australia

Skills

First, 3+ years of working for and leading a global nonprofit. The management and leadership experiences I have gained are directly translatable to SCI. Second, experience in strategic planning, organizational design, and helping U.S. government agencies and other organizations transform their approaches to developing, implementing and measuring strategy and policy. Third, I am motivated-I invest fully in all I do, work hard to deliver clear results, and do not make commitments I cannot keep.   

Mickey Mello

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

I have three main reasons for wanting to run: To improve my community, to improve Sister Cities International as an organization, and to improve myself. I want to help bring youth and young professionals to the cause of citizen to citizen diplomacy, so they, and others like them from around the world, learn more about the world beyond what they know at home. I want to work towards that goal in my community, and become an example for others to follow in Sister Cities International as I move forward towards my own goals and act on my international vision for the future. I bring my perspective as a young professional and seek to learn from those with experience who have come before me.

Brief Biography

I was a professional actor starting at age 15 and did that for about 8 years with success, having credits in movies, TV, and national commercials. I completed college classes via distance learning while acting, graduating with my associate’s degree as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA and gave the graduation speech. After this I decided to focus on my education and transferred to California State University, Bakersfield.

I continued my good grades and unexpectedly learned about the Study Abroad Program. I decided to apply. After much effort I was accepted to the California State University International Programs for Japan, the first student ever from my university in Bakersfield. I studied at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan for 6 months. It was for a year, but the 9.0 earthquake on March 11th caused the unexpected cancellation of my program.

Upon returning to the U.S., I became president of two clubs and helped found another, all of which had great success: “Japan and Beyond”, “International Students Club”, and “Campus Gamers”. I also got involved with Sister Cities about this time. I graduated with highest honors (3.96 GPA) with the double majors of Marketing and Business Economics. I visited Bakersfield’s Sister City in Wakayama, Japan in the summer after graduating before returning to the U.S. and accepting a job in Marketing at Global CTI, a telecommunications firm in Bakersfield. I doubled up my efforts in Sister Cities and became the youngest board member in both Bakersfield Sister City and Southern California Sister Cities.

Skills

Public Speaking, Leadership, Project Management, Marketing, Branding, Social Media Marketing, Economics (focus on the development of the Asian Pacific Rim economies), Knowledge of the IT Industry, Website Development (www.mickeymello.com), Acting, Voice Acting, Knowledge of the Entertainment Industry, Dancing (Routines, Freestyle, and Weapon Dancing), Street Performing, Event Planning, MC (Master of Ceremonies), Japanese (Basic Conversational), Tutoring, Connections to students and young professionals from around the world, Quirkiness, and a thirst for knowledge and for different cultures.

Joshua Walker

Why do you want to run for the Board of Directors?

Standing 6’4” with blue eyes and brown hair, I was always the “all-American boy” in my hometown of Sapporo, Japan where my parents moved when I was three years old. Each year since I can remember during Sapporo’s Snow Festival I would have the chance to meet with visitors from our sister city in Portland, OR and see the power of citizen diplomacy and cultural bridge-building. My subsequent experiences and career path have only reinforced these core beliefs and encouraged me to dedicate myself to being a bridge-builder, practitioner, and scholar. I’ve lived learned, and translated the mission of Sister Cities as an American since birth therefore I hope to give back by building on the great history and impact of Sister Cities as a young professional member of the Board of Directors.

Brief Biography

I am an American who was raised overseas and has dedicated my life’s work to international bridge building. I spent my formative years growing up in Japan, attended Japanese school until the age of twelve and received my translation license at the age of sixteen. After graduating from the University of Richmond, I pursed further research through a Fulbright Fellowship in Turkey, which led to a Masters in International Relations at Yale University and eventually a PhD in Politics and Public Policy at Princeton University.

I’ve been active in bridging the academic and policy world since graduate school when I co-founded the Yale Journal of International Affairs, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy in New York, and Project on Religion, Diplomacy, and International Relations at Princeton. My academic research and teaching has been complemented by my work as a consultant, documentary-film producer, Oxbridge international director, and various other community and professional service activities which all build on my passion for building bridges between cultures, generations, and nations. I am currently an International Affairs Fellow through the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) where I serve in the Office of the Secretary of State as a Senior Advisor to provide regional expertise and economic analysis to foster advances in science and technology, enhance educational opportunities, and catalyze exchange for mutual understanding through public-private partnerships led by the State Department throughout the Muslim world. My own sense of self continues to motivate me to learn more about my own country and help articulate the very best America has to offer as a global leader through local impact that needs our Sister Cities more now than ever.

Skills

I look forward to bringing my passion for diplomacy, linguistic ability, local connections, international experience, personal network, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to the Board. I hope to help develop new business opportunities and economic development in regional and functional areas of programming along with a commitment to the member benefits/services that distinguishes Sister Cities. I have lived the interconnectedness of our world and know that America’s strength comes from initiatives such as Sister Cities which like myself is based in DC and which I hope to actively contribute towards as a young professional.

Webinar: 2013 Board of Directors Elections Candidates Forum

Get to know the Board of Directors election candidates! Join us for the Sister Cities International "Board of Directors Election Candidates Forum" Webinar. The forum is an excellent opportunity to hear from the candidates themselves. Candidates will be asked a series of questions regarding their vision and contribution to the sister cities movement. The audience will also be able to engage the candidates during a Q & A session. Please note that candidate participation is voluntary.

Email communications@sister-cities.org for details on how to join the webinar.